Stamp-affixing machine.



G. E. VAN DUZER/ STAMP AFPIXING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED APB..10,1909.

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O. E. VAN DUZER.

STAMP APFIXING MACHINE. APPLICATION FILED APR.10,1909.

9'? 1,940, Patented Oct. 4, 1910.

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THE NORRIS PETERS c0, WASHING'ION, n. c.

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CLARENCE E. VAN DUZER, OF CLEVELAND, OHIO.

STAMP-AFFIXING MACHINE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Application filed April 10, 1909.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, CLARENCE E. VAN Duznn, a citizen of the United States, residing at Cleveland, in the county of Guyahoga and State of Ohio, have invented a certain new and useful Improvement in Stamp- Aiiixing Machines, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact description, reference being had to the accoi'npanying drawings.

This invention relates to machines that are specifically intended for afiixing stamps to envelops, postal cards, and the like, although some features thereof are of more general application, and the invention entire may be used for applying stickers to various kinds of articles.

The object of the invention is the production of a machine of the character stated having means for feeding a sheet of stamps and means for separating the fed stamps from the sheet along the lines of perforations between the stamps and for applying the separated stamps to envelops; means for shifting the sheet of stamps so as to brmg another stamp into position for separation and attachment to another envelop, the shifting mechanism for the sheet of stamps being controlled by escapen'ient mechanism; means for moistening the envelop before the stamps are separated and applied, said means consisting of a device which deposits upon the envelop a plurality of small drops of water or other liquid; means for holding the envelops in position for feeding the same rapidly into place for receiving the stamps, said means consisting of a table having a folding extension connected therewith.

The above, and many other features of my invention, will be more specifically referred to hereinafter, the same being shown in the accompanying drawings in which Figure 1 is a plan view of my invention; Fig. 2 is a side elevation of the left hand end of the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 3 is a front elevation of the right-hand end of the machine, parts of the same being shown in section; F 4 is a sectional view taken on the line 4.% of Fig. 3 and looking in the direction of the arrows; Fig. 5 is a rear e vation of the machine shown in Fig. 1; Fig. (3 is a sectional view taken vertically through the carriage for the stamps, said view showing the cscapement mechanism for said tarriage and the means for turning the feed roller for the stamps; Fig. 7 is a detail view showing the stamp aiiixing and moistening devices, the moistening device being in position for applying moisture to an envelop; Fig. 8 is a view of the parts shown in Fig. 7 in their second or intermediate position; Fig. 9 is a view of these parts, the same being shown in their third or final position; Fig. 10 is a sectional view taken on the line 1010 of Fig. 9 and looking in the direc tion of the arrows; Fig. 11 is a front elevation of the escapement mechanism for the carriage; Fig. 12 is a sectional view ta en on the line 12l2 of Fig. 11; Fig. 13 is a perspective view showing the holder for the stamps, the same being detached from the machine; and Fig. 1% is a detailed view of the hinged portion of the envelop table.

Taking up a more complete description by use of reference characters, 1 represents the base of the machine frame, the same being of any suitable shape or contour and preferably made as light as is consistent with the service it is intended to perform. Rising from the rear portion of the base near the left hand side thereof is a forked bracket having arms 2 and 2 a similar bracket being similarly located at the opposite side of the machine and having arms 3 and 3. Secured to the upper end of the arms 2 and 3 is a horizontal bar t having a groove or way 5 on its front face. 6 is a similar bar having a similar groove or way 7 in its rear face opposite the groove 5, said bar being preferably integral with the upper ends of the arms 2 and 3. The bars 4 and 6 form supports for a slidable carriage for the sheet of stamps, said carriage being mounted on roller bearings in the grooves or ways 5 and 7, all of which will hereinafter appear. Projecting upwardly from the base in front of the bar 6 are a pair of columns or standards 8 and 9, and a similar pair of columns or standards 10 also project upwardly from the base nearvthe forward end thereof, but one of said standards appearing in the drawing, although the positions of these standards is indicated in Fig. 1 by the screws which secure the table for the envelops to the standard, said table being more specifically described hereinafter.

The carriage for the sheet of stamps consists of a horizontal bar 11 which lies between the bars 4- and 6, said bar 11 having its front and rear faces provided with grooves orways corresponding to the grooves or ways 5 and 7 in which are located the roller bearings for the carriage. Secured to the end of the bar 11 are brackets 12 and 13, between which there is journaled the main feed roller 14 for the stamps. Projecting rearwardly from each of the brackets 12 and 13 are arms having vertical slots 15 for the reception of lugs 16 on a stamp holder, said holder consisting of a piece of light sheet metal having a scroll or tubular portion 17 and a flat forwardly projecting guide plate 18, as shown in Fig. 13. The lugs 16 are secured to the lower side of the guide plate and project from the ends of the latter so as to seat themselves in the slots 15 of the bracket arms. As thus constructed, a sheet of stamps may be rolled and inserted into the tubular portion 17 of the holder with its outer end carried over the guide plate 18 and over the feed roller 14, against which roller the sheet is pressed by a roller 19, said latter roller being journaled between arms 20 that project forwardly from a rock bar 21 that is also journaled in the brackets 12 and 13 above the roller 14. At one of its ends the rock bar projects beyond the bracket, as at 22, so as to receive a milled head or nut 23, said head containing a coiled spring 24, see Fig. (3, one end of which is secured to the head and the other end to the adjacent bracket. The spring is put under tension so as to press the roller 19 against the roller 14; but the bar 21 may be rocked to lift the roller 19 by simply turning the milled head or nut 23.

The roller 14 is preferably made hollow, as shown at 25, and in the right hand end of the same I insert a tube 26, the outer end of which is closed by a plug or washer 27. The sleeve 26 is secured to the bracket 12 by a screw 28 which passes through the bracket and into the plug, the roller 14 being thus journaled upon the tube. In the opposite end of the hollow 25 I insert a sleeve or tube 29, said sleeve extending through the bracket 13 so as to form a journal in the bracket for the roller 14. Outside of the bracket the sleeve is provided with a ratchet wheel 30, the same being preferably formed integral with the sleeve although it may be separate and secured thereto if preferred. Projecting through the ratchet wheel and into the sleeve 29 is a cylindrical member 31, the same being provided with a peripheral groove 32 near its inner end into which projects the inner end of a screw or pin 33, said screw holding the member within the tube, but permitting it to turn therein. The member 31 is provided with a longitudinal bore 34 into which I insert the coiled portion of a spring the inner end of the spring engaging with a slot 36 in the end of the member 31, and the outer end of the spring engaging with a stationary ing 37 on the bracket 13. The spring is placed under tension and tends to turn the member 31 in one direction. On its outer end the said member is provided with an arm 38, said arm carrying a pawl 39 for engagement with the teeth of the ratchet wheel 30, the pawl being held in engagement with the said wheel by a spring 40 that is connected at one of its ends to the arm 38 and at its opposite end to the pawl 39. The lug 37 serves both as a means of attachment for the spring and as a stop for the arm 38, said spring being under tension for moving the said arm against the lug. From this description it will be understood that, as the arm 38 is turned toward the left in Fig. 2, the ratchet wheel 30 and the roller 14 are rotated and the spring put under tension so as to return the said arm to its normal position when the arm is permitted to move in this direction. The arm 38 is swung to the left for turning the roller 14 when the carriage is moved to the left, the turning motion being effected by astationary cam arm 41, said arm being in the form of a bracket that is secured to the base 1 and the bracket arm 2, as shown in Figs. 5 and 6. Contacting with this cam arm is a roller 42 that is journaled upon the pawl carrying arm 38, the cam being so shaped as to cause the roller to travel thereon as the carriage moves toward the right. The carriage is drawn toward the right by hand, a knob or finger piece 43 being provided on the bracket 13 for that purpose; and, when the carriage is drawn backwardly until the roller engages with a hook 44 on the end of the cam, the pawl 39 will have turned the ratchet 30 and the roller 14 an amount sufficient for feeding the sheet of stamps a distance equal to the length of a stamp. As the carriage moves to the left, the roller 42 travels down the cam 41, the spring compelling this movement, until the pawl 39 drops behind the next tooth on the ratchet wheel 30. The carriage is drawn toward the right by a spiral spring 45, the

inner end of which is secured to a short shaft 46, said shaft being journaled in a bracket 47 that projects downwardly from the bar 6 near its right hand end. The outer end of the spring is secured to a drum 48, upon which is wound a cord 49 that secured to the carriage at 50.

Secured to the shaft 46 adjacent the bracket 47 is a ratchet wheel, shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3 at 51, with which wheel engages a detent pawl which is pivoted upon the said bracket and which has a finger at its free end for lifting the pawl out of engagement with the wheel. Also secured to the shaft 46 in front of the wheel 51 is a milled head or nut 54, by means of which the shaft may be turned to the right for tightening the spring so as to cause the carriage to move properly.

The movement of the carriage toward the right is controlled by suitable escapement mechanism, hereinafter described. At each operation of the machine, the carriage escapes and moves a distance equal to the width of a stamp, thus presenting a new stamp at the point of application to the envelop. The machine shown in'the drawings is adapted to feed a sheet of stamps having a width of ten stamps. Starting with the carriage in its left hand position, with a transverse row of stamps projecting forwardly over a guide plate 55, each operation of the machine results in shifting the carriage one step, which operation is continued until all of the fed stamps have been applied and the carriage has moved to the limit of its travel. The carriage is then drawn backwardly, and, as the roller 42 travels along the cam 41, the roller 14: is turned a distance sufficient to feed the sheet of stamps so as to bring another transverse row in position for attachment to the envelops. The envelops are placed upon the table, which, for convenience, comprises two plates 56 and 57, which are hinged together so that the latter plate may be folded over upon the top of the former, as indicated in dotted lines in Fig. let. The hinge is composed of a pair of members 58, which are secured to the lower side of the plate 56, and a similar pair of members 59 which are secured to the under side of plate 57. These members are each provided with eye pieces for receiving the ends of a U-shaped pintle 60, such construction permitting the plates 56 and 57 to be extended in the same plane or to be folded together. F or holding the plate 57 in horizontal position, the members 58 are provided with forwardly extending brace arms (31, with which abut similar arms (32 on the members 59. The table is secured to the uprights or posts 8, 9 and 10 by screws (33 which pass through the plate 56 into said uprights. The envelops to be stamped are placed upon the rear and right hand portion of the table so as to project under the plate 55, an opening 64, having the shape of a stamp, being provided in said plate through which the stamps are forced when applying the same, the plate serving to tear the stamp from the sheet along the lines of perforations about the stamp.

The power for operating the machine is applied by hand to the head of a plunger 66, said plunger being mounted to slide in a housing 67 that is formed on the left hand end of a lever 68, said lever being pivoted to a stationary plate 69 that is secured to the bar 6. The plunger 66 is held in its outer position by a coiled spring 70, which surrounds the plunger and is confined between the housing 67 and the head (55. Guided within the housing 67 is a tubular extension 71 of a presser foot 72, said foot being rectangular in shape and of substantially the same size as the opening (Set in the plate 55, said presser foot being adapted to contact directly with the stamp to be applied and to force the same through the said plate, thus tearing the stamp from the sheet and carrying it into contact with the envelop. The plunger 56 extends into the tubular extension 71 and is movable up and down therein, a screw or stop 73 extending through the said extension into a slot in the plunger, the same being indicated by the dotted line 74 in Fig. 10. The said slot does not extend through the bottom of the plunger, so that when the latter is lifted to its full extent, as shown in Fig. 7, the presser foot is lifted into the housing 67, said housing being provided with a flat rectangular portion 75, from which depends a flange 76 on two sides of the plate, said flange being intended to rest upon the sheet of stamps and hold the same while the presser foot 72 is tearing a stamp from the sheet.

Fitting into a notch in the corner of the table 56 below the presser foot, is a pad 77, the same being preferably formed of sponge rubber so as to be compressible. This pad rests upon a plate 78 that is carried upon the upper end of a slide rod 79, said rod being guided in its movement by a housing 80 that projects from the guide bar 6. Connected with the plate 78, or preferably made integral therewith, is a depending llange or arm 81, the lower end of which is connected through a link 82 to a lever 83, said lever being also pivoted at its left hand end to the bar 6. Pivoted near its center to a stationa ry part of the machine, as to the post or upright 9, is a lever 84., said lever having in its left hand end a pin which projects into a slot 85 in a bolt 86, said bolt extending upwardly through a perforated lug 87 on the lever 83. Between the slotted end of the bolt and the said lug, the bolt is surrounded. by a coiled spring 88, said spring tending to force the bolt downwardly until the nut on the upper end thereof contacts with the lug 87. this description it will be understood that when the lever St is rocked in a direction to throw its right hand end downwardly, the lever 83 and the pad 77 are lifted, and any envelop resting upon said pad will likewise be lifted into contact with the stamp above the opening 6st in the plate The lever Set is thus rocked through the medium of a connecting rod 89, said rod being pivoted at its lower end to said lever and at its upper end to the plunger head (35, although, of course, the upper end of the rod may be attached directly to the plunger 66 if preferred. The lever is rocked in the opposite direction by a coiled spring 84, which surrounds the pivot pin 8 t of the lever and engages with its ends the lever and the frame 1.

From- The moistening liquid for the stamps is contained in a rectangular box or tank 90 that is supported on the plate 69 at the right of the table. The liquid may be introduced into the tank in any suitable way, that shown consisting of a bottle or other reservoir 91 that is inverted with its lower end projecting in the tank, the bottle being partially surrounded by a funnel shaped projection 92 on the tank. To hold the bottle more securely in position and for preventing the same from rattling during the operation of the machine, I prefer to surround its upper edge with a pad 93 of rubber or other suitable material. The upper side of the tank is open at the left hand endv to receive the device for transferring the liquid to the envelop, said device consisting of a plate 9-1 on the left hand end of a lever 95, the plate being provided with a series of headed pins 96 which extend downwardly from the plate into the liquid in the tank when the plate is in its normal position. Any number of these pins may be employed, but I find that eight is a suitable number, the pins being arranged in staggered fashion in three rows, the right and left hand row each containing three pins and the middle row two pins. The heads of these pins each lift a drop of liquid from the tank and deposit the same upon the envelops, the drops being so positioned as to lie beneath the stamp to be ap plied and being so spaced that, when the envelop is lifted against the stamp, the drops are spread and the entire under surface of the stamp is wet. Vhile I prefer to have the pins deposit separated and distinct drops of liquid on the envelop, the pins may, especially in case a thick envelop is being stamped, be dragged slightly over the envelop so that the liquid is deposited in short lines. It is also obvious that the heads of the pins may be somewhat elongated, or that short strips of metal may be employed, in which cases, also, the liquid is deposited in short lines. The lever 95 is pivoted adjacent its center to the upper end of a lever 97, said lever being pivoted at 98 to the bar 6. Extending from the lever 97 at the left of its pivot is an arm 99, said arm having pivoted thereto a pawl lever, the same comprising the pawl 100 and the arms 101 and 102, said arms being disposed at substantially right angles to each other. The pawl 100 is in position to contact with the connecting rod 89, and it is adapted to engage with a notch 103 in said rod, Fig. 3 showing the normal position of the parts with the pawl engaged in said notch. Mounted on the housing 80 is a trip arm 10 1, said arm eX tending under the arm 101 so as to be engaged thereby when the pawl 100 is de pressed with the connecting rod. A spring 105 connects the arm 102 with the lower end of the lever 97 and tends to hold the pawl 100 in contact with the said rod. As thus constructed, the depression of the plunger head 05 and the connecting rod 89 rocks the lever 97, said rocking movement being continued with the depression of the connecting rod until the arm 101 engages with the stop 10$, after which the continued movement of the connecting rod causes the pawl lever to be rocked until the pawl is released from the notch 103, after which the spring 105 throws the lever 97 back to its normal position, as shown in Fig. 9. In Fig. 7 the parts are shown in the positions they assume just before the pawl is released from the notch; and, from this figure, it will be seen that the moistening pins 96 have been lifted over the left hand end of the tank 90 and are lowered into position for moistening the envelops. Any further depression of the connecting rod will release the pawl 100 and permit the spring 105 to throw the said pins back over the end of the tank and into their normal positions.

The vertical movements of the moistening pins are controlled by a cam 106 on the lower side of the lever 68, with which cam engages a roller 107 on the right hand end of the lever 95, the roller being held in contact with the cam by a spring 108 which surrounds the pivot on the lever 95 and engages with its ends said lever and the lever 97. In order to hold the envelop against the pad 77 so that it will not curl into position for interfering with the action of the moistening pins, I prefer to attach to the plate 7 8 carrying the pad a guide finger 109, the same having its left hand end turned up slightly above the table 56, thus providing a construction by which the envelops may be readily inserted into position for receiving the stamps. F

I will now describe the escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the stamp carriage and will invite attention particularly to Figs. 5, 6, 11 and 12. Secured to the under side of the bar 11 of the carriage is an escapement rack 110, the teeth on which are spaced a distance substantially equal to the width of a postage stamp. Pivoted in lugs 111 on the frame 1 is an escape ment frame 112, the frame having a rigid escapement tooth 113 thereon. The tooth has a plate 11% extending to the right therefrom, said plate being provided with a screw 115 for holding a sliding plate 116, the latter plate being also provided with a tooth crime which is connected at its ends to arms 121 and 122, said arms being respectively on the plate 116 and on the frame 112. This spring not only serves to hold the plate 116 against the finger 118, but it also tends to pull the said plate to the left so as to advance the tooth 117 beyond the tooth 113 a distance substantially equal to the spaces between the teeth on the rack bar 110. When the fame 112 is in position for bringing the tooth 117 into the plane of the rack bar, the carriage spring l5 pulls back the rack bar against the tension of spring 120 and forces the tooth 117 backwardly alongside the tooth 113. If, then, the frame 112 be rocked forwardly so as to throw the tooth 117 out of the plane of the rack teeth, the spring 120 will draw the plate 116 and tooth 117 back to normal position. This rocking movement of the frame 112 has, however, brought the tooth 113 into engagement with the same rack tooth that had been in engagement with the tooth 117, so that the carriage has not moved. If, now, the frame be swung rearwardly so as to again bring the tooth 117 into the plane of the rack, the tooth 113 will be removed from said plane and the carriage spring will shift the carriage, the next adjacent tooth on the rack bar engaging with tooth 117 and forcing the same back alongside tooth 113. The carriage will thus be released and arrested as long as the frame 112 is rockedfor until the carriage reaches the end of its travel. The frame 112 is rocked by the arm 122 which is rigidly connected therewith, and said arm is rocked downwardly by a spring finger 123 which is rigidly connected with the arm 99 of the lever 97, see Figs. ff and 7. As the said arm 99 is depressed with the connecting rod 89, the end of the spring finger 123 depresses the arm 122, thereby operating the escapement frame in one direction. The arm 122 is lifted to restore the frame by a link 12% which extends upwardly from the end of the arm and has a forwardly extending finger 125 with an eye therein surrounding the connecting rod 89. This rod has a pin 126 below the eye; and, as the rod is lifted after affixing a stamp, the arm 122 will also be lifted to rock the escapement frame rearardly and thus permit the carriage to shift.

In case the sheet of stamps should become ripped backwardly along a line of perforations therein near the right hand side of the sheet, that part of the sheet at the right would be liable to get down between the roller 14- and the plate 69 as the carriage is returned to the left, so that the stamps would not lie upon the plate 55 in position for engagement by the plunger. To prevent the stamps from getting into such a position, I secure to the plate 69 at the rear of the tank 90 a plate 127 upon which the .lorward and right hand end of the sheet rests when the carriage is in its right hand position. This plate is flush with the plate 55 and may, if preferred, be made an in tegral part thereof.

In connection with the description of the mechanism shown I have at times stated briefly the operation of parts of the invention so that it is thought the operation of the machine has already been set forth. In order, however, to make the operation perfectly clear, I will now give a more connected description of the manner in which the stamps are fed, the envelops supplied and the stamps afiixed to the envelops.

The stamps are supplied in sheets having a width of ten stamps. A stamp holder is used for each denomination of stamps in order that the machine may be very readily adapted for applying stamps of any desired denomination. Suppose two cent stamps are to be applied, a sheet of said stamps is inserted in the scroll 17 of the holder and is carried forwardly under the roller 19 and over the supporting plate 55, the carriage being moved to its extreme left hand position so that the forward right hand corner stamp is over the opening 64; in said plate. An envelop is then inserted under the guide finger 109, and the plunger head 65 is depressed. The first part of the movement of the plunger head and the lever 68 swings the lever 97 so as to carry the moistening device from the tank 90 over the envelop, thereby depositing upon the envelop a series of drops of liquid which have been carried by the headed pins 96. Almost instantly after the heads of the pins have deposited their drops of liquid, the pawl 100 is released from the connecting rod 89, and the spring 105 throws the moistening device back into the tank and out of the way of the descending plunger. During this part of the movement of the plunger the spring 70 has not been compressed, said spring being strong enough to resist compression while the spring 84 is being placed under tension. When the flange 76 of the plunger housing contacts with the plate 55, further depression of the lever 68 is impossible, and thereafter the plunger 66 moves downwardly through the housing and into the tubular extension 71 of the presser foot 72. This foot, however, rests upon the stamp which covers the opening 6 1, and the foot is not moved to tear the envelop from the sheet until the plunger 66 strikes the bottom of the bore in the tubular extension. Before the plunger reaches this position, however, the connecting rod 89 has rocked the lever 81 and has lifted the pad 77 and the envelop upwardly until the latter is in contact with the plate 55 just below the stamp. This position of the parts is shown in Fig. 8, and. is what I have termed the second or intermediate position. The plunger is now forced downwardly into the third position shown in Fig. 9 and, in assuming this position, the end of the plunger has also forced downwardly the presser foot so as to tear the stamp from the sheet, the flange 76 of the housing resting upon the sheet about the opening 64 so as to prevent the sheet from tearing other stamps, and the plunger foot, pressing upon the stamp and the envelop has forced downwardly the pad 77 and the lever 83 against the tension of the spring 88. This spring, therefore, serves as a yielding buffer for the plunger and prevents the machine from being broken by too violent an operation, and yet the spring is sufficiently stiff to cause the stamp and the envelop to be tightly compressed between the presser foot and the pad 77. During the operation of the moistening de vice, the spring finger 123 on the arm 99 of the lever 97 depresses the arm 122 of the escapement frame 112, and permits the partial operation of the escapement mechanism. hen the plunger head is released after the stamp has been aflixed, it is returned to nor mal position by the springs 84 and 70, and the pin 126 engaging with the link 12% rocks the escapement frame rearwardly and thus completes the operation of the escapement mechanism so that the carriage is shifted by its spring 15 the space of one tooth on the rack bar, or the distance equal to the width of a stamp, thus bringing a new stamp over the opening in the plate This operation is continued until ten stamps have been aflixed, the carriage has reached the limit of its travel, and all the fed stamps have been applied. The carriage is then drawn back to its normal position and, in so doing, the feed roller 14 is rotated a distance sufficient to feed another row of stamps over the plate 55 with the right hand forward stamp beneath the presser foot 72.

Vhile I have shown and described man details of construction, I realize that such details may be modified more or less without departing from the spirit of my invention, and I desire it to be understood that the following claims are not intended to be limited to such details any further than is made necessary by the specific terms therein employed.

Having thus described my invention, what I claim is:

1. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a receptacle for liquid, a plate having a series of pins normally projecting into the liquid, means for applying a stamp to the envelop, and means for lifting the plate out of the tank and moving it over the envelop, whereby the pins deposit drops of liquid upon the envelop before the stamp is afiixed thereto.

2. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a e eeo receptacle for liquid, a plate having a series of pins normally projecting into the liquid, means for applying a stamp to the envelop, and connections between said means and the plate for lifting the latter out of the tank and moving it over the envelop, whereby the pins deposit drops of liquid upon the envelop before the stamp is aflixed thereto.

3. In a stamp affixing machine, the combi nation with a support for an envelop, ofa receptacle for liquid, a pivoted lever having means thereon for applying a stamp to the envelop, means for transferring a plurality of independent drops of liquid from the tank to the envelop, and means connected with said lever for controlling the movement of said transferring means.

4. In a stamp afixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a receptacle for liquid, a pivoted lever having means thereon for applying a stamp to the envelop, means for transferring a plurality of independent drops of liquid from the tank to the envelop, and a cam on the said lever for controlling the movement of said transferring means.

5. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a guide plate for stamps, means for feeding a sheet of stamps over said guide plate, a plunger above the guide plate adapted to be depressed, a support for an envelop beneath said plate and beneath said plunger, means for applying a plurality of separated drops of liquid to the envelop beneath the plunger, and means carried by the plunger for forcing a stamp below the saidplate, separating it from the sheet and pressing the stamp against the envelop over the drops of liquid thereon.

6. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a guide plate for stamps, means for feeding a sheet of stamps over said guide plate, a plunger above the guide plate adapted to be depressed, a support for an envelop beneath said plate and beneath the plunger, a receptacle for liquid, a plurality of pins normally dipping into the liquid in the receptacle, means for moving the pins over the support for applying a plurality of separated drops of liquid to the envelop beneath the plunger, and means carried by the plunger for forcing a stamp below the said plate, separating it from the sheet and pressing the stamp against the envelop over the drops of liquid thereon.

7. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a stationary supporting plate for the stamps, said plate being provided with an opening, a carriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and feeding a sheet of stamps over said plate, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of said carriage whereby a single stamp is successively fed over the opening in the supporting plate, a support for the e'n'velops below said plate, a plui'iger above the opening in the stationary plate, means for holding the strip of stamps upon the plate from move ment during the descent of the plunger, said plunger when depressed tearing a stamp from the sheet and forcing the same against the envelop, and means operated by said plunger for controlling the escapement machanism.

8. In a stamp atlixing machine, the combination with a supporting plate for stamps, said plate being provided with an opening across which the stan'ips are fed, a carriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and for feeding a sheet of stamps over said plate, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the carriage whereby a single stamp is successively fed over the opening in the supporting plate, a support for envelops below said plate, a plunger above the opening in the stationary plate, means operated by the plunger for preventing the movement of the stamp which is over the opening in the supporting plate, said plunger when depressed tearing a stamp from the sheet and forcing the same against the envelop, and means operated by the plunger for controlling the escapement mechanism.

5). In a stamp atliving machine, the combination with a. stationary supporting plate for stamps having an opening therein, a earriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and for feeding a sheet of stamps over said plate, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the carriage, whereby a single stamp is successively fed over the opening in the supporting plate, a support for envelops below said plate, a plunger above the opening in said plate, said plunger when depressed tearing a stamp from the sheet and forcing the same against the envelop, means operated. by the plunger for controlling the escapement mechanism, and means auton'iatically ope .able for applying moisture to the envelop during the initial n'iovement of the plunger.

10. In a stamp atiixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, means for feeding a stamp into position to be pressed by the plunger against the envelop, means connected with said plunger for moving the support for the envelop toward the plun er, and means for applying a plurality of separated drops of liquid to the envelop before its support is moved.

ll. In a. stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for envelops, of a plunger above said support, means for feeding a stamp between the plunger and the support, and means yieldingly connecting the plunger and the support for lifting the support as the plunger is depressed whereby the envelop is lifted toward the stamp and the stamp and envelop are pressed together with a yielding pressure.

In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger above the support, means for feeding a stamp between the plunger and the support, means for lifting the support as the plunger is depressed whereby the envelop is lifted toward the stamp and the stamp is pressed onto the envelop, and means for applying a plurality of separated drops of liquid to the envelop before its support is moved.

13. In av stamp aflixing machine, the com bination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, a lever yieldingly connected with said support, a rod connecting the lever and the plunger, and means for feeding a stamp below the plunger, the construction being such that when the plunger is depressed upon the stamp the lever is lifted to carry the envelop against the stamp whereby the support and plunger are pressed together with a yielding pressure.

14:. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, a lever connected with said support, a. rod connecting the lever and the plunger, means for feeding a stamp below the plunger, the construction being such that. when the plunger is depressed upon the stamp the lever is lifted to carry the envelop against the stamp, and means for applying a plurality of separated drops of liquid to the envelop before its support is lifted.

15. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, a carriage for a. sheet of stamps, means for feeding the sheet. on the carriage and for shifting the latter for feeding a stamp between the plunger and the support, and connections between the support and plunger for moving the support toward the plunger as the latter is moved, whereby the envelop and stamp are pressed together between the support and the plunger.

16. In a stamp atlixing machine, the combination with a support for an envolop, of a plunger, a carriage for a sheet of stamps, means for feeding the sheet on the carriage and for shifting the latter for feeding a stamp between the plunger and the support, connections between the support and plunger for moving the support toward the plunger as the latter is moved, whereby the envelop and stamp are pressed together between the support and the plunger, and means for a pplying a plurality of separated drops of liquid to the envelop before its support is moved.

17. In a stamp atlixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, yielding connections between the plunger and support for moving the latter toward the plunger when the plunger is operated, means for feeding a stamp between the support and plunger, and means for moistening the envelop during the initial movement of the plunger, the subsequent movement of the plunger compressing the envelop and stamp at the place where moisture had been applied, whereby the plunger and support are pressed together with a yielding pressure.

18. In a stamp afiixing machine, the com bination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, connections between the plunger and support for moving the latter toward the plunger when the plunger is operated, a carriage for a sheet of stamps, means for feeding the sheet on the carriage and for shifting the latter for feeding a stamp between the support and plunger. and means for moistening the envelop during the initial .movement of the plunger, the subsequent movement of the plunger compressing the envelop and stamp at the place where moisture had been applied.

19. In a stamp aflixing machine, the com bination with a resilient pad for supporting an envelop, of a plunger, of means connecting the pad and the plunger for moving the pad with the plunger, a liquid tank, a series of pins normally dipping into the liquid in the tank, means connected with the plunger for moving said pins out of the tank and into contact with the envelop on the pad, whereby a plurality of separated drops of liquid is deposited on the envelop, and means for feeding the stamps beneath the plunger before the initial movement thereof, whereby when the plunger is depressed the envelop is moistened and the stamp and envelop are then pressed together over the drops of liquid.

20. In a stamp afiixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger above the said support, a rod connected with the plunger, a tank for liquid, a series of pins normally dipping into said tank, a pawl normally engaging said rod and movable therewith during the initial movement of the plunger, means for disconnecting said pawl from the rod whereby the plunger may continue its movement independently of the pawl, means connected with the pawl for moving the pins from the tank into contact with the envelop, whereby each pin conveys a drop of liquid from the tank and deposits the same upon the envelop, means for guiding said pins in their movements, and means for returning the pins to the tank after the pawl has been disengaged from the said rod.

21. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger above said support, a guide plate for stamps between the plunger and support, means for feeding stamps over the guide plate beneath the plunger, a notched member connected with the plunger, a pawl normally in engagement with the notch in said member, a lever carrying said pawl, whereby when the plunger and said member are moved the lever is rocked, means for disconnecting the pawl from the member after the plunger has been partially depressed, a tank for moistening liquid, a moistening device pivotally connected to said lever and normally dipping into the liquid in said tank, and means cooperating with the moistening device for guiding the same in its movement, whereby the said device is lifted from the tank and brought into contact with the envelop while the pawl is in engagement with the notch, and means for returning the lever and the moistening device to normal position and out of the path of the plunger during its further travel to press the stamp upon the moistened part of the envelop.

In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a resilient support for an envelop, of a plunger above said support, a pivoted lever carrying said plunger within which the plunger is movable, a cam on said lever, means for feeding a stamp under the plunger, a receptacle for liquid, a moistening device normally extending into the liquid in said receptacle, :1 pivoted lever for moving the moistening device, connections between the plunger and said lever for moving the latter upon the initial movement of the plunger, means on the moistening device cooperating with the cam on the first lever for moving the moistening device out of the receptacle against the envelop for moistening the latter, and devices for releasing the second lever from the plunger and for re turning the moistening device to normal position so that the further movement of the plunger may carry the stamp against the moistened part of the envelop.

23. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a resilient support for an envelop, of a plunger above said support, a pivoted lever carrying said plunger within which the plunger is movable, a cam on said lever, means for feeding a stamp under the plunger, a receptacle for liquid, a plurality of headed pins normally dipping into the liquid in said receptacle, a pivoted lever, means connecting the pins with the lever and supporting the pins from the latter, connections between the plunger and the latter lever, whereby said lever is moved upon the initial movement of the plunger, means cooperating with the cam for lifting the said pins out of the receptacle and moving them against the envelop for moistening the latter, each of said pins carrying a drop of liquid to the envelop, the pins depositing the liquid in separate drops, and devices for releasing the second lever from the plunger and for returning the'pins to normal position so that the further movement of the plunger may carry the stamp against the moistened part of the envelop.

24-. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger over said support, a shifting carriage, means on said carriage for holding a sheet of stamps having a width equal to the width of a plurality of stamps, feed rollers on the carriage for feeding the sheet of stamps toward the plunger, means for rotating the feed roller as the carriage is moved in one direction to advance the sheet of stamps and bring a transverse row of stamps on the front edge thereof opposite the plunger, a moistening device for the stamps operated upon the initial movement of the plunger, a spring for moving the carriage to bring the stamp beneath the plunger, an escapement mechanism controlling the movements of the carriage in that direction, means connected with the moistening device for operating the escapement in one direction, and means connected with the plunger for moving the escapement in the opposite direction for releasing the carriage as the plunger returns to normal position and after a stamp has been applied to the envelop.

25. In a stamp affixing machine, the com bination with a main frame, of a support for an envelop on said frame, a carriage for a sheet of stamps mounted to slide back and forth on said frame, a holder for the said sheet supported by the carriage, feed rollers for the sheet journaled in said carriage, a cam on the main frame, means connected with one of said feed rollers and cooperating with the cam for turning the rollers to feed the sheet as the carriage is moved in one direction, a plunger, a moistening device operated during the initial movement of the plunger, a spring for moving the carriage in a direction to advance the fed stamps toward the plunger, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movement of the carriage in that direction, means connected with the moistening device for operating the escapement in one direction, and means connected with the plunger for operating the escapement in the reverse direction to release the carriage, said release occurring'after the stamp has been aflixed to the envelop.

26. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger above said support, means for feeding a stamp between the plunger and the support and above the envelop, a lever connected with said support, a second lever connected with the plunger, a resilient connection between the said levers, and means for feeding a stamp under the plunger and above the envelop, the construction being such that when the plunger is operated the support is lifted toward the plunger and the envelop and stamp are pressed together with a yielding pressure.

27. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a vertically movable envelop support, a plunger above said support, means for feeding a stamp beneath said plunger, a lever connected with the plunger so as to be rocked thereby, and a spring connection between said lever and the support, the construction being such that as the plunger is operated the support is moved toward the latter and the envelop and stamp are pressed together with a yielding pressure.

28. I11 a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger, means for feeding a stamp between the plunger and the support, a pivoted lever connected to the support, a second lever connected to the plunger so as to be rocked thereby, a slotted link connectin said levers, and a coiled spring surrounding said link and bearing against one of said levers, the construction being such that as the plunger is operated the support and envelop are lifted toward the latter and the envelop and stamp are pressed together with a yielding pressure.

29. In a stamp affixing machine, the com bination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger above said support, a stamp supporting plate between the plunger and support, said plate having an opening below the plunger, means for feeding a stamp over said opening, and means including a pin and slot connection and a spring operatively connecting the plunger and the support, the construction being such that when the plunger is operated it will first engage the stamp without moving the support and will then lift the support through the said spring until the envelop is brought beneath the stamp supporting plate when the further 1novement of the plunger depresses the support against the tension of the spring and thereby presses the stamp and the envelop together with a yielding pressure.

30. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a plunger above said support, a stamp supporting plate between the plunger and the support, said plate having an opening below the plunger, means for feeding a sheet of stamps over the said supporting plate and for then shifting said sheet toward the plunger to bring successive stamps over said opening, a lever connected with the support for the envelop, a second lever, a connecting rod joining the latter lever and the plunger, a bolt extending between said levers, a pinand-slot connection between the said second said bolt and bearing against the first lever, the construction being such that when the plunger is operated it moves into contact with the sheet of stamps before the bolt is moved, the further movement of the plunger then moving the bolt and the spring about the same, lifting the first lever and the envelop support and carrying the envelop against the stamp supporting plate and the still further movement of the plunger depressing the envelop support, separating the stamp from the sheet, and pressing it upon the envelop with a yielding pressure.

31. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a main frame, of a table for holding envelops thereon, a resilient pad which, when in normal position, is substantially flush with the upper surface of the table, a support for said pad, a bent finger secured to said support and overlapping the pad for holding an envelop thereto, a plunger, a stamp supporting plate between the pad and plunger, means for feeding a sheet of stamps over said plate and for shifting the same toward the plunger, the plate being provided with an opening beneath the plunger, a lever connected with the pad support, a second lever pivoted to the main frame, a connecting rod joining the second lever to the plunger, a bolt connecting said levers, a pin-and-slot connection between said bolt and said second lever, and a spring surrounding said bolt and bearing against the first lever, the construction being such that when the plunger is depressed it first contacts with the sheet of stamps without lifting the envelop, the further movement of the plunger lifting the envelop through the said spring against the stamp supporting plate and the further movement of the plunger separating the stamp from the sheet, depressing the envelop and pressing the envelop and stamp together with a yielding pressure.

32. In a stamp affixing machine, the com bination with a main frame, of a table for envelops on the frame, a movable pad which normally lies substantially flush with said table, a support for said pad, a bent finger connected with the support and extending over the pad for holding an envelop thereto, a stamp supporting plate between the table and the plunger, said plate having an opening therethrough below the plunger, a carriage slidably mounted on the main frame, a holder for a sheet of stamps removably connected with the carpiage, feeding rollers for the sheet journaled in the carriage, a cam on the main frame, means connected with one of said rollers for engaging with the cam to turn the roller as the carriage is moved in one direction, aspring for moving the carriage in the opposite direction, an escapement mechanism under control of the plunger for releasing the carriage and for per- '-1nitting it to move a distance substantially equal to the width of a stamp at each operation of the plunger, a lever connected with the support for the pad, a second lever pivoted to the frame, a rod connecting said second lever with the plunger, a bolt connecting said levers, a pin-and-slot connection between the second lever and the bolt, a spring surrounding the bolt and bearing against the first lever, and a moistening device operated by the said rod upon its initial movements.

83. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination of a supporting plate for stamps, a carriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and feeding a sheet of stamps over the plate. an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the carriage, a support for envelops below said plate, a plunger above the said plate, a housing surrounding said plunger, a presser foot with which said plunger cooperates, said housing being adapted to engage a portion of the strip of stamps to hold the same from movement while the plunger is descending, said plunger when depressed tearing a stamp from the sheet and forcing the same against the envelop.

Set. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination of a supporting plate for stamps, a carriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and feeding a sheet of stamps over the plate, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the carriage, a support for envelops below said plate, a plunger above the plate and envelop, a housing surrounding said plunger, a yielding connection between the plunger and housing, said housing portion being adapted to descend as the plunger descends and engage the strip of stamps to hold the same against movement when the plunger descends, said plunger upon its descent tearing a stamp from the sheet and forcing the same against the envelop.

35. In a stamp aflixing machine, the combination of a supporting plate for stamps, a carriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and feeding a sheet of stamps over the plate, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the carriage, a support for envelops below said plate, a plunger above the plate and envelop, a housing surrounding said plunger, a presser foot having a sliding connection with the plunger, said head being adapted to drop into engagement with the stamp to be affixed as the plunger descends in advance thereof, said plunger later forcing the head against the stamp to tear the same from the sheet and force the stamp against the envelop.

36. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination of a supporting plate for stamps, a carriage movable longitudinally of said plate, means on the carriage for supporting and feeding a sheet of stamps over the plate, an escapement mechanism for controlling the movements of the carriage, a support for envelops below said plate, a plunger above the plate and envelop, a housing loosely surrounding said plunger, a recess within the housing, a presser foot sliding in said recess, a loose connection between the plunger and head, a yielding connection between the housing and plunger whereby as the plunger descends the housing will engage the strip of stamps to hold the same against movement and the presser foot will rest upon the stamp to be severed in advance of the movement of the rod, said rod later forcing the head against the stamp severing the same and forcing the stamp against the envelop.

37. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for an envelop, of a receptacle for liquid, a plunger mounted above said envelop support and having means thereon for applying the stamp to the envelop, means for transferring a plurality of independent portions of liquid from the tank to the envelop, andmeans connected with said plunger for controlling the movement of said transferring means.

38. In a stamp affixing machine, the combination with a support for the envelop, the combination with means for guiding stamps, means for feeding a sheet of stamps over said guiding means, a plunger above the guide plate adapted to be depressed, a support for an envelop beneath said plate and beneath said plunger, means for applying a plurality of separated particles of liquid to the envelop beneath the plunger in advance of the engagement between the stamp and envelop, and means carried by the plunger for forcing a stamp below the said guiding means, separating it from the sheet and pressing the stamp against the envelop over the liquid thereon.

In testimony whereof, I hereunto aflix my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

CLARENCE E. VAN DUZER.

Vvitnesses S. E. FoU'rs, BRENNAN B. WVns'r. 

